Rocket re launch progress

[kpower]

All those joints and wishbones on my chassis's will be seemless/CDS as I was aware from post's that cracks had been found.

Regarding the jigs for the wishbone I can confirm NO alternative size lager or smaller would fit in the original jigs But the way the new jig is being made it will allow for an increase in tube size should it be requested. I will ask what size it can go to but in all honesty 28mm would probably be around the maximum.

As regards "Roberts" you may end up regretting you ever made the comment. ;-)

[Stiggy]

Accuracy is the difficult one, a jig is only as good as the user. Apply all the heat by welding bones in one hit and once released they will take a set. This can be as much as 2 mm out despite decent clamps on the jig to stop movement.

Issues can be sorted during quality control. Each bone trial fitted without bushes in a mock up chassis which has wishbone mount points with the same size hole as the bush tubes. We used a hydraulic press to adjust them if required.

Distorted position of the bush tubes can be a real issue. We used solid bars going through both bush tubes to keep them in line. This was clamped down and held the position of the tubes very well. It was often tight to remove though.

[kpower]

My intention is to have a spare chassis that all parts are trial fitted to. As you say I have found problems with slight distortion and variation in size ( up to 2mm ) on trial runs. The idea of inserting solid bar sounds a good idea and something I will trial.

In an ideal world on a multi million pound production line run by Robotics it would not be an issue but in the world of low production kit based cars there will always be a small tolerance that needs to be monitored and carefully managed .

[Stiggy]

The picture shows an RTR tR1ke bone from eric's build in the Netherlands. A real PITA as it was painted before he realised there was an issue.

[kpower]

Not far out then!. It must have been made on the Friday afternoon the QC guy left early. I think we will be able to do a bit better than that

[bourbonsipper]

hi kpower, have I got it right that you bought the Rocket set up?

[kpower]

Yes I have the original jigs and moulds used to make the original MEV rocket's

[bourbonsipper]

May I ask where you are based kpower?

[kpower]

CM17 near Harlow Essex

[bourbonsipper]

I'm at the bottom of Essex, would a tour be too cheeky to ask for?

[kpower]

At the moment there is little to tour. A few part built chassis's which are being used as templates to check everything fits and one that is being converted slowly to take donar parts from another vehicle in addition to a complete car in bits that is being used for reference. Obviously jigs and moulds many of which are being re modeled for more accuracy along with a stack of parts being lazer cut and or fabricated (fibreglass) elsewhere. Once I am happy with everything I would be happy for anyone interested to come and have a look.

[bourbonsipper]

Ok, fair enough. I am staying at ma-in-laws until our house purchase completes. Estimate of 6-8 weeks time so at a loose end. I really like the cars. If you want any help (free any-time, just shout. I look forward to seeing your project come to life.

[andrew]

Not heard anything for a while on the rocket relaunch, has this come to an end again like when brimoto bought the project?
I think the only sensible  option is to buy one from exo sportscars as I believe they are still making them at the moment and I don't want to wait forever only to be disappointed. 

[carlyd]

May 10, 2017 19:47:30 GMT kpower said:

My intention is to have a spare chassis that all parts are trial fitted to. As you say I have found problems with slight distortion and variation in size ( up to 2mm ) on trial runs. The idea of inserting solid bar sounds a good idea and something I will trial.

In an ideal world on a multi million pound production line run by Robotics it would not be an issue but in the world of low production kit based cars there will always be a small tolerance that needs to be monitored and carefully managed .

Is there a reason you don't using brazing instead of welding? I don't know much about the subject but I know Ariel use brazing instead of welding on both the Atom and Nomad chassis. They suggest they prefer it due to lower temperatures and less distortion?
Could brazing be an option?

[kpower]

No it has not come to an end but there have been delays due to problems that have been found during manufacture. If you want the original Rocket then as you say there is a manufacturer already making the kit so it is available in that form and has been for some time. I have no intention of repeating previous manufacturing errors and will not manufacture something with possible variations or errors. The process of making another kit based on the MGTF with engine options continues and may well end up being the best option in  light of the fact that there is an existing well established company making all but the original kit.

I can not comment on the Brazing option as I have no experience of that process and it is not a system the company I am working with use